This keychain features the bicorn worn by the emperor Napoleon during the battle of Eylau on 8 February 1807.
The 'little hat' made of plain beaver was originally a piece of military uniform. It was during the Consulate, between 1801 and 1804, that Napoleon finally adopted this hat, which quickly became legendary. The shape varied according to fashion, but the decoration was always simplified, with no braid, just a small black silk band and a button holding the cockade. The cockade, in faded colours, is not regulation in size. Today, Napoleon's bicorne is the signature of his legend.
Poupard (active in Paris, ca. 1800-1815), hat maker
Hat worn by the emperor Napoleon during the battle of Eylau on 8 February 1807.
Felt "beaver", silk, wood
H. front wing : 14,5cm; H. rear wing : 20,3cm; l. 49cm; size 58
Paris, musée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides
©Photo GrandPalaisRmn, dist. Musée de l'Armée / P. Segrette
© GrandPalaisRmnCréations
